The namesake of the elementary school in Center Moriches, Clayton R. Huey, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, educator, community leader, and friend, passed away March 3 at 93. Settling on Long Island from Elmira in 1954, he was proud of his family and the impact he made on his community.
Mr. Huey, as his legion of students would know him, graduated from the Elmira Free Academy in 1949 and attended nearby SUNY Cortland, where he earned a degree in education. After graduating, he married his beloved wife Joan and welcomed twin boys, James and Michael.
He came to settle in Center Moriches and was hired by his hometown school district in 1955 as a physical education teacher and coach. Two more children became part of the family, Leanne and Laura, while Mr. Huey advanced his career by earning an administration degree from New York University. He became principal of the Center Moriches Elementary School and eventually rose to the position of Superintendent of Schools.
“He devoted over three decades to serving his local community and supporting both the teachers and students with the ultimate goal of ensuring that the best possible educational experience was being provided,” his family said in sharing the news of his passing.
Mr. Huey played a key role in the building of the high school and was honored by his community when the elementary school was named for him. He proudly led the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade down Main Street of his hometown as Grand Marshal in 2006. Beyond education, he had many other attributes and interests. He served as the director of Camp Pa-Qua-Tuck in the early 1960s and was an avid golfer. In his retirement, he acted as a golf ranger at Rock Hill Country Club and loved sports, being a die-hard Yankees fan who looked forward to watching games with his family. He would always be one of the first to ice skate on Kalers Pond whenever it would freeze over. By far, his most favorite thing to do was spend time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, his family said.
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Former principal and Center Moriches Superintendent of Schools Clayton R. Huey escorts
his great grandchildren into Clayton R. Huey the school named in his honor Family of Clayton R. Huey
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In Lieu of Flowers, donations can be made to Camp Pa-Qua-Tuck: P.O. Box 677, Center Moriches, NY 11934–CampPaQuaTuck.com/donate or the Moriches Nutrition Program/Meals on Wheels: P.O. Box 135, Center Moriches, NY 11934.
Writer’s Note: Mr. Huey was my principal starting in kindergarten and was part of my education all the way through high school. I was in the same class as his daughter, Laura, from K-12 and also graduated with her from Oswego College. He certainly was a positive role model for me and it is my honor to be able to write these words about him.